The Dynamics of Business Behavior

10Learning and Development

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT (L&D) is one of those areas that different people view very, very differently. Some seize every opportunity to have their organization invest in their professional development and career. Others think of most training days or programs as mandatory sessions they have to attend in order to further the organization's goal. Still others are more concerned with the social and fun aspect of training than the developmental side. As you probably know, there is a lot that organizations can do to shape the L&D experience and learning culture one way or another, but both in our experience with clients and through the interviews, we keep seeing how this topic has a lot of complexity beneath the surface.

What Is L&D?

Learning and development (L&D) broadly refers to the strategic function in an organization focused on the continual growth and improvement of the skills, abilities, and knowledge of employees. It encompasses a range of activities, tools, and strategies used to promote learning, professional development, and skill enhancement among staff. L&D programs can include on-the-job training, online courses, workshops, coaching, mentorship, and more. The aim of L&D is to align employee growth with the organization's goals, fostering a culture of continuous learning, enhancing performance, and ultimately driving business success. For change managers, understanding the principles of L&D can help shape effective change strategies. By ...